Development and evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles of mometasone furoate for topical delivery

Introduction: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are the new generation of submicron sized lipid emulsions where liquid lipid (oil) has been substituted by solid lipid. Lipids used in the formulation are safe, stable and biodegradable in nature. SLNs offer various advantages for topical drug delivery like ability of deposition into skin with the reduced systemic exposure and reduced local side-effects along with providing sustained release of drug. Mometasone furoate (MF) is a topical glucocorticoid having anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, anti-hyper proliferative activity. Owing to these properties it is recommended in chronic inflammation and psoriasis. In market, MF cream and lotion (0.1%) are available, which show slight skin irritation, burning and common side-effects due to steroids. Experimental: To overcome the shortcomings of conventional formulations, there is a need to develop a novel formulation that can reduce these side-effects and show maximum desired effects. Thus, SLN of MF can be prepared, which would help in increasing skin deposition as well as provide sustained release. In this study, SLNs were prepared by solvent - injection method. Results: The F8 batch had shown maximum entrapment up to55.59% and sustained drug release for more than 8 h. The skin permeability of SLN loaded gel was found to be 15.21times more than that of marketed cream. SLN loaded gel showed 83.52% of skin deposition which was 2.67 times more than marketed cream and 20 times more than plain drug loaded gel. The scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential study showed formation of good SLN dispersion. The stability study showed successful formation of stable SLNs. Thus, SLNs proved the potential for topical delivery of corticosteroid drug over the conventional formulations.